My Future Careers
KIMBERLY HOLLIDAY
What careers are best for me?
Careers in the finance, business, and architectural
fields best fit my personality. The following two careers
fall within these categories and also meet my personal
interests.
Accountant
FINANCE FIELD
What is an accountant?
 An accountant is someone who creates and
examines financial records.
 They also assess the records of businesses to
ensure they continue operation.
 Accountants can work for independent
clients, small business owners, or even
corporations.
 Their work is essentially the backbone
of America as they keep the necessary
businesses financially stable.
How much do they make?
 As of 2012 the lowest 10% of accountants earned
about $39,900. These accountants are most likely on
a starting salary.
 The median salary for an accountant in 2012 was
about $63,500
 The highest earning accountants earned about
$111,000 in 2012. That’s more than some doctors!
Do we really need accountants?
 Accountants are really the backbone of our country.
Many business owners would be bankrupt without
the guidance of an accountant.
 Accounting jobs show an expected growth rate of
13% over the next ten years. That percentage is on
the level with many other careers.
 The success of accountants depends on the success of
the businesses they represent. If the businesses fail,
so do the accountants.
What type of education is required?
 Most accountants are required to hold a 4-year degree in their
field. Some lower paying positions like a bookkeeper will only
require an associate’s degree with a bit of experience.
 Most businesses require accountants to become a CPA (Certified
Public Accountant). Some businesses will even pay for
examination.
 There are many other certification programs, but CPA’s are
widely known for their multipurpose acceptance across the
country.
 Accountants must have be a licensed CPA to submit any reports
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Why is this career right for me?
I’m much better at math than English courses. I’m also
very interested in the business world. I think
accounting would be a great career choice for me
because it includes my love for math and my desire to
work in a professional environment. It also provides a
great deal of flexibility because if I can’t find work with
a large corporation I could always take bookkeeping
positions with local businesses.
Public Relations
BUSINESS FIELD
What is an publicist?
 Publicists work to improve the public image of the
companies they represent.
 They do this through the creation of various
advertising materials, press releases, or organized
public events.
 They may work closely with community members to
spread positive buzz about local businesses.
How much do they make?
 The lowest 10% earned about $50,000 in 2012.
 The median earners made about $95,000.
 The highest earners of 2012 made up to $180,000
dollars!
Is that even a real job?
 Yes. What would
after their recent oil
large companies like spill in the gulf.
Johnson & Johnson  Jobs in this field are
or Kraft be without
expected to grow at
great publicists?
the same 13% rate
They make sure
accountants face.
these companies are However, social
known, and shown
media could provide
in a positive light
a new need for
around the world.
publicists who can
 BP (British
respond quickly and
Petroleum) needed
effectively to client
some great PR skills concerns.
What education is required?
 A 4 year degree in communications or a related field
will be enough.
 There are many programs for certification, but the
most popular one is from the PRSA (Public Relations
Society of America)
 Certification is not required, but is greatly recognized
by prospective employers.
Why is this job right for me?
Publicists get to have the best of both worlds. They get to
work in a professional environment while doing a lot of fun
things and making great social connections. Although I’m
shy, Public Relations seems like a great job for me because it’s
something that could hold my interest over the years. It’s also
something that could progress with technology.
Summary
Accountants…
Publicists…
 Make up to $111,000
 Make up to $180,000
 Require a 4-year
 Require a 4-year
degree and certification
 Have 13% expected job
growth
 Can work for
individuals, small
businesses, or large
corporations
degree only
 Have 13% expected job
growth
 Work mostly for large
companies and
occasionally special
individuals
Sources
 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
 http://shutterstock.com
 http://office.com